3 Delicious Mexican Casseroles Using Ground Beef
When you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that is easy to assemble and packed with flavor, a Mexican casserole using ground beef is the perfect answer.
These one-pan bakes are the champions of comfort food, layering savory seasoned beef with classic ingredients like tortillas, beans, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese.
Today, we’re exploring three fantastic and reliable ways to turn a simple package of ground beef into a spectacular dinner. We’ll start with the ultimate family favorite, a Layered Taco Casserole, which is like a giant, sliceable taco.
Then, we’ll create a delicious Beef Enchilada Casserole, giving you all the flavor of enchiladas with none of the rolling. Finally, for a fun and unique twist, we’ll make a Cheesy Dorito Casserole with a crunchy, cheesy chip topping.
These recipes are designed to be simple, satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight. Let’s get our baking dishes ready!
Essential Tools
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Large Spoon
- Can Opener
- Cheese Grater
Recipe 1: Classic Layered Beef Taco Casserole
This is the quintessential “Mexican casserole.” It has all the delicious, familiar flavors of a classic ground beef taco, but in an easy-to-serve, layered bake that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
| Prep time | Cook time | Total time | Yield | Skill level | Spice level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 25-30 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 servings | Easy | Mild |
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: 2 lbs.
- Taco Seasoning: 2 (1 oz) packets.
- Refried Beans: 1 (16 oz) can.
- Corn Tortillas: 12.
- Salsa: 1 (16 oz) jar, your favorite kind.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: 3 cups.
- Toppings: Sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
It is very important to drain all of the excess grease from the skillet. Return the beef to the skillet, stir in the taco seasoning packets and about ½ cup of water, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Spread the entire can of refried beans evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 of the corn tortillas over the beans in a single, slightly overlapping layer.
Spoon the cooked taco meat evenly over the tortillas. Pour the jar of salsa over the meat, and then sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese over the salsa.
Step 3: Top and Bake
Arrange the remaining 6 corn tortillas over the cheese layer to form the top of your casserole. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese evenly over the top layer of tortillas.
Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving with your favorite taco toppings.
Recipe 2: Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole
This dish delivers all the rich, saucy flavor of classic beef enchiladas but in a simple, layered format that saves you the time and mess of rolling.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
| Prep time | Cook time | Total time | Yield | Skill level | Spice level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 25-30 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 servings | Easy | Mild-Medium |
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs.
- Onion: 1, chopped.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: 1 large (28 oz) can.
- Corn Tortillas: 12, torn into quarters.
- Black Beans: 1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: 3 cups.
- Sour Cream: ½ cup.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Filling
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion.
Once the beef is cooked through, drain the fat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the rinsed black beans, 2 cups of the shredded cheese, and the sour cream. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Pour about 1 cup of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it around.
Place half of your torn tortilla pieces in an even layer over the sauce. Spoon the entire beef and cheese mixture over the tortillas and spread it out evenly to form the hearty middle layer of your casserole.
Step 3: Finish and Bake
Arrange the remaining tortilla pieces over the beef layer. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce all over the top, making sure to cover the tortillas completely. Sprinkle the final 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Recipe 3: Cheesy Beef and Dorito Casserole
This is a fun, kid-friendly casserole that is packed with flavor and has the most unbelievably crunchy and cheesy topping.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
| Prep time | Cook time | Total time | Yield | Skill level | Spice level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 20-25 minutes | 40 minutes | 8 servings | Easy | Mild |
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs.
- Taco Seasoning: 1 (1 oz) packet.
- Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5 oz) can.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: 1 (10 oz) can, undrained.
- Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: 2 cups.
- Doritos: 1 large bag (about 9 oz), Nacho Cheese flavor, coarsely crushed.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Create the Creamy Beef Base
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain the excess fat completely.
Stir in the taco seasoning packet, the can of cream of mushroom soup, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, until it is well combined and heated through.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Spread about half of your coarsely crushed Doritos in an even layer on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spoon the entire creamy ground beef mixture over the top of the chip layer and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese over the beef layer.
Step 3: Top and Bake to Crispy Perfection
Top the casserole with the remaining crushed Doritos, creating a thick, crunchy top layer. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese all over the top of the chips.
Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is completely melted. Serve immediately while the Dorito topping is at its crispiest.
The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients
- Taco Seasoning (Taco & Dorito Casseroles): The classic blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika provides the warm, savory, and slightly smoky flavor that is the heart of the ground beef in these family-friendly casseroles.
- Refried Beans (Taco Casserole): This layer does double duty. It not only adds a hearty, earthy, and creamy element but also acts as a barrier, helping to keep the bottom layer of tortillas from getting too soggy.
- Enchilada Sauce (Enchilada Casserole): A good quality canned sauce provides all the complex, savory, and chile-infused flavor needed to soak into the tortillas and create that authentic enchilada taste without any of the work.
- Doritos (Dorito Casserole): This is the fun, signature ingredient. The Nacho Cheese flavored chips add a cheesy, salty, and ultra-crunchy layer on both the top and bottom that is completely irresistible.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Storage: Let any leftover casserole cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. To reheat a larger portion and help re-crisp the top, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| My casserole is greasy. | It is very important to thoroughly drain all the excess fat from the ground beef after browning it and before adding it to the casserole. This is the number one step to prevent a greasy result. Using a lean ground beef also helps. |
| My casserole is dry. | You likely didn’t use enough sauce. The tortillas or chips will absorb a lot of liquid as they bake. For the enchilada and taco casseroles, don’t be afraid to be generous with the sauce layers to ensure the final dish is moist. |
| The Dorito topping is soggy. | The bottom layer will naturally soften, which is part of the appeal. For the top layer, make sure you bake the casserole uncovered to allow the chips to toast and stay crispy. This casserole is also best served immediately for maximum crunch. |
FAQs
Can I assemble these casseroles ahead of time?
Yes, the Taco Casserole and the Enchilada Casserole are both perfect for making ahead. You can fully assemble them, cover tightly, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. It is not recommended to assemble the Dorito Casserole ahead of time, as the chips will become very soggy.
Can I make these recipes spicy?
Absolutely. The easiest way to add a spicy kick to any of these recipes is to use a “hot” taco seasoning, salsa, or enchilada sauce.
You can also add a can of drained, diced jalapeños to your ground beef mixture.
Can I freeze these Mexican casseroles using ground beef?
Yes, the Taco Casserole and the Enchilada Casserole freeze very well. Assemble them in a freezer-safe baking dish, but do not bake.
Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. The Dorito Casserole is not ideal for freezing as the chips’ texture will be compromised.
Enjoy Your Easy and Comforting Casserole Dinner!
You now have three fantastic and reliable Mexican casseroles using ground beef that are perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic taco bake, a saucy enchilada dish, or a fun and crunchy surprise, there’s a perfect and easy option here for you.
Enjoy!
